Saturday's letters

Published: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 18, 2013 at 4:28 p.m.

Opposed to Wal-Mart

Since 1997 I have lived steps away from the location being considered for the Wal-Mart off Ringing Boulevard. I oppose the opening of this business for several reasons. When I first moved here, Publix hired off-duty police officers as night security. Over the years, it withdrew that service. Publix's closing time was 9 p.m. Foot traffic was common due to the proximity to downtown. My home and others fell victim to burglaries. However, when Publix moved, pedestrian traffic ceased and, interestingly, so did the burglaries.

We are a quiet neighborhood. We do not want trucks pulling in at all times of the night. Many of us work. I've done my research: When Wal-Mart opens in an area, police calls increase, mostly due to shoplifting. I've also learned that Wal-Mart practices include taking tax breaks when they open, then, if things don't go as anticipated, Wal-Mart moves out, leaving yet another deserted space.

We are a community of retirees and working-class people. I was offended at the "argument" by Wal-Mart's attorney that there wasn't opposition in the beginning. Not true. When I first learned of the possibility, I called the city commissioners' office and was told I could attend the meeting but would not be allowed to speak.

I wish to thank the majority of commissioners who voted to allow a hearing of the people against this project. I just ask you to consider: Would you want a Wal-Mart in your backyard?

Brenda K. Green

Sarasota

Creating jobs in Georgia

It seems that many people on your staff seem to think Gov. Rick Scott walks on water. You heavily publicize his speeches on how he is going to "create jobs in Florida." I find this absolutely hilarious.

Recently the automated system on the Skyway Bridge failed to register my transponder, so I got a bill for the toll charges from a company representing the Florida Department of Transportation. What is particularly interesting is that the company that sent me the notice, and with whom I had to resolve the problem, was located in Georgia!

It seems, that in spite of the need for jobs in Florida, our politicians are privatizing jobs and giving them to companies out of Florida, thereby creating jobs elsewhere.

I find it rather disingenuous of Scott to talk about creating jobs while farming out Florida DOT functions to a business in Georgia!

Robert R. Homan

Palmetto

Green light for cameras

The headline and subhead on a Jan. 7 red-light camera story were misleading: "New Study Fuels Camera Debate" and "Fewer crashes at many intersections, but an increase at others."

Then, in much much smaller print: "Fifty-six percent of municipalities responding to a survey said crashes decreased at intersections with red light cameras."

I know that newspapers thrive on controversy and uncertainty, but these results are positive! Only "15 percent reported that crashes increased" (9.6 percent said they remained the same, and 19.2 percent didn't report results).

If these were the preliminary findings on a new medication, medical device or surgical procedure, is there any doubt that we would wish to continue investigating it? Of course we would.

Regarding Wednesday's editorial, "Who hates politics?": Politics is civilization's attempt to move away from our barbaric past. A polite name for the warfare of overcoming human nature. A struggle to shout that all are valuable. Our attempt to overcome "might makes right," the recognition that the good of all is better than "winner take all." It is human nature's attempt to overcome the money and power of a few and move mankind forward to a brighter future. It is a worldwide public stage where the struggle of humanity is played out in full view of all. Greed, lust, power, hate, love, empathy, altruism, generosity -- it's all there!

If you take a macro view of the world, the good of human nature is winning. More despots, evil, prejudice, bias, greed and hatred are exposed by the miracle of our newfound communication ability and the media than ever before. More people are better off than ever before. In spite of the ugliness of who we are and the mess we are in, we are evolving as better people. When you look at where we were 10,000 years ago, just think what the next 10,000 years will bring.

As much as I hate politics and the politicians we all are, I say "hallelujah!" Let the struggle continue.

Bob Richardson

Sarasota

Food bank for cats

Regarding Sunday's "New to the Brink" story, in which the writer describes how those who have not needed public assistance in the past now need help:

The article pictured a woman named Hannah Hough holding her cat. At Cat Depot, an all-feline facility in Sarasota, we have spoken with many who feel forced to surrender their beloved pet because they cannot afford to feed them. The best place for pets is in their loving homes with their families and not in shelters.

In order to help these people, we have established a Community Food Bank. On the last Sunday of each month, those who qualify can receive free cat food. Other organizations also offer similar food bank programs for pets.

Cat Depot is committed to keeping cats happy and healthy. If free food makes a difference between a person keeping their pet or having to surrender their pet to a shelter, Cat Depot provides a community resource to those in need.

Corey Roscoe, Cat Depot

Sarasota

Beach-smoking section

Beach-smoking ban solution: As they do in many airports, provide a small, well-marked designated area for smokers. Post warning signs saying, "Develop lung cancer at your own risk."

<p>Opposed to Wal-Mart</p><p>Since 1997 I have lived steps away from the location being considered for the Wal-Mart off Ringing Boulevard. I oppose the opening of this business for several reasons. When I first moved here, Publix hired off-duty police officers as night security. Over the years, it withdrew that service. Publix's closing time was 9 p.m. Foot traffic was common due to the proximity to downtown. My home and others fell victim to burglaries. However, when Publix moved, pedestrian traffic ceased and, interestingly, so did the burglaries.</p><p>We are a quiet neighborhood. We do not want trucks pulling in at all times of the night. Many of us work. I've done my research: When Wal-Mart opens in an area, police calls increase, mostly due to shoplifting. I've also learned that Wal-Mart practices include taking tax breaks when they open, then, if things don't go as anticipated, Wal-Mart moves out, leaving yet another deserted space.</p><p>We are a community of retirees and working-class people. I was offended at the "argument" by Wal-Mart's attorney that there wasn't opposition in the beginning. Not true. When I first learned of the possibility, I called the city commissioners' office and was told I could attend the meeting but would not be allowed to speak.</p><p>I wish to thank the majority of commissioners who voted to allow a hearing of the people against this project. I just ask you to consider: Would you want a Wal-Mart in your backyard?</p><p>Brenda K. Green</p><p>Sarasota</p><p>Creating jobs in Georgia</p><p>It seems that many people on your staff seem to think Gov. Rick Scott walks on water. You heavily publicize his speeches on how he is going to "create jobs in Florida." I find this absolutely hilarious.</p><p>Recently the automated system on the Skyway Bridge failed to register my transponder, so I got a bill for the toll charges from a company representing the Florida Department of Transportation. What is particularly interesting is that the company that sent me the notice, and with whom I had to resolve the problem, was located in Georgia!</p><p>It seems, that in spite of the need for jobs in Florida, our politicians are privatizing jobs and giving them to companies out of Florida, thereby creating jobs elsewhere.</p><p>I find it rather disingenuous of Scott to talk about creating jobs while farming out Florida DOT functions to a business in Georgia!</p><p>Robert R. Homan</p><p>Palmetto</p><p>Green light for cameras</p><p>The headline and subhead on a Jan. 7 red-light camera story were misleading: "New Study Fuels Camera Debate" and "Fewer crashes at many intersections, but an increase at others."</p><p>Then, in much much smaller print: "Fifty-six percent of municipalities responding to a survey said crashes decreased at intersections with red light cameras."</p><p>I know that newspapers thrive on controversy and uncertainty, but these results are positive! Only "15 percent reported that crashes increased" (9.6 percent said they remained the same, and 19.2 percent didn't report results).</p><p>If these were the preliminary findings on a new medication, medical device or surgical procedure, is there any doubt that we would wish to continue investigating it? Of course we would.</p><p>George F. Gitlitz, M.D.</p><p>Sarasota</p><p>Member, National Advisory Board, RID-USA Inc. (Remove Intoxicated Drivers)</p><p>Loving/hating politics</p><p>Regarding Wednesday's editorial, "Who hates politics?": Politics is civilization's attempt to move away from our barbaric past. A polite name for the warfare of overcoming human nature. A struggle to shout that all are valuable. Our attempt to overcome "might makes right," the recognition that the good of all is better than "winner take all." It is human nature's attempt to overcome the money and power of a few and move mankind forward to a brighter future. It is a worldwide public stage where the struggle of humanity is played out in full view of all. Greed, lust, power, hate, love, empathy, altruism, generosity -- it's all there!</p><p>If you take a macro view of the world, the good of human nature is winning. More despots, evil, prejudice, bias, greed and hatred are exposed by the miracle of our newfound communication ability and the media than ever before. More people are better off than ever before. In spite of the ugliness of who we are and the mess we are in, we are evolving as better people. When you look at where we were 10,000 years ago, just think what the next 10,000 years will bring.</p><p>As much as I hate politics and the politicians we all are, I say "hallelujah!" Let the struggle continue.</p><p>Bob Richardson</p><p>Sarasota</p><p>Food bank for cats</p><p>Regarding Sunday's "New to the Brink" story, in which the writer describes how those who have not needed public assistance in the past now need help:</p><p>The article pictured a woman named Hannah Hough holding her cat. At Cat Depot, an all-feline facility in Sarasota, we have spoken with many who feel forced to surrender their beloved pet because they cannot afford to feed them. The best place for pets is in their loving homes with their families and not in shelters.</p><p>In order to help these people, we have established a Community Food Bank. On the last Sunday of each month, those who qualify can receive free cat food. Other organizations also offer similar food bank programs for pets.</p><p>Cat Depot is committed to keeping cats happy and healthy. If free food makes a difference between a person keeping their pet or having to surrender their pet to a shelter, Cat Depot provides a community resource to those in need.</p><p>Corey Roscoe, Cat Depot</p><p>Sarasota</p><p>Beach-smoking section</p><p>Beach-smoking ban solution: As they do in many airports, provide a small, well-marked designated area for smokers. Post warning signs saying, "Develop lung cancer at your own risk."</p><p>Paul Moscoe</p><p>Osprey</p>